Military News

Thursday, December 12, 2013

12/10/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Tears
prick the corner of Tech. Sgt. Andrew Shepherd's eye as he accepts the
folded flag in honor of his late grandfather, Marion Shepherd, at the
December 7th Remembrance Ceremony at Hickam Field, here.

Shepherd, who's assigned to the 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, had
the unique opportunity of attending the remembrance ceremony on behalf
of his family and being a participant - an experience he said left him
"utterly speechless."

"Today was different than I expected it to be," he said after the
ceremony. "I knew it would be emotional, but it was almost hard for me
to keep my composure at times ... there are really no words to describe
the moment. Being able to participate gave me a chance to honor my
grandfather and show my gratitude to him and his comrades on a personal
level, and I'm thankful for having had the opportunity."

Marion Shepherd was assigned to Hickam Field after enlisting into the
Army Air Corps, and survived both the December 7th attack on the base
and the Battle of Midway in 1942 before passing away at 89 years-old
when Shepherd was nine years old--but not before leaving a lasting
impression on his grandson who enlisted in the Air Force nearly 10 years
later.

"I'd always thought my grandfather had an interesting story and it
definitely did influence me joining the military and volunteering to
come to Hawaii," said Shepherd. "He's definitely remembered as a hero in
my family, and whenever I drive to and from work ... and I see the
hangar he worked in or the old consolidated barracks he lived in it's a
reminder that grandpa was here. It's a very sobering moment, a very cool
memory."

Shepherd said he'd found out about the annual ceremony, which pays
tribute to the fallen heroes and survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack
on Hickam Field, shortly after permanently changing station to Joint
Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in August 2013. Given his family's history he
was eager to get involved with the event.

"I was raised in a very patriotic family," he said. "I remember
grandpa's patriotism. He had a flag at the house he would raise and
lower every day and his medals were on the wall and I think that was
passed down to me through my father. Days like this reinforce that
patriotism for me."

The Wyoming native said though he'd learned of his grandfather's
historical past when he was a child, it wasn't until growing up and
joining the military himself that he gained a full appreciation for his
grandpa's service himself.

"Grandpa left quite the legacy in our family and Dad was really proud of
me for joining the Air Force," he said. "I'll never forget the first
time I deployed he told me that he knew his dad would have been proud of
me and that made me feel pretty good. I was proud because I knew what I
was doing was bigger than myself and I was honored to be doing
something that would have made someone I always looked up to proud of
me."

In addition to honoring Marion Shepherd, the ceremony recognized four
Hickam Field attack survivors as well as a host of family members who
were in attendance on behalf of their loved ones who were killed in
action or deceased. Shepherd said that was the best part of the ceremony
for him.

"The symbolism of seeing them present the flags to the survivors and the
families was overwhelming," he said. "Those flags represent everything
we stand for, and it was a very emotional moment for me."

Shepherd said it was surreal being able to talk with men who'd worked with is grandpa when he was stationed at Hickam.

"It was awe-inspiring talking to guys who had worked with grandpa," he
said. "I met a widow whose husband was on the same flight my grandpa got
shot on in during the Battle of Midway, and that to me, is what these
types of events are all about. I'm proud to know his memory is still
being honored even though he's since passed on."

Though this was Shepherd's first opportunity to participate in a
remembrance ceremony, his family members are actively involved in events
and Shepherd said he's a firm believer that it is necessary to make
sure people always remember.

"Everyone remembers Pearl Harbor because so many lives were lost, but
it's unfortunate that most people don't remember the other places that
were attacked and the other service members that were lost," he said.
"These types of events are necessary because it's our small way of
showing that we remember them and to express our gratitude for their
sacrifices. Some of these people gave everything ... they gave their
lives and there's no real way that we can ever repay that other than to
keep honoring their memories and remembering their sacrifices."

12/10/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Two
days of knuckle-breaking work comes down to one single moment as two
Airmen stand under the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, finding the most
comfortable stance to test their strength against its weight.

As Master Sgt. Jeffrey Cornell and Airman 1st Class Randall Dennery lay
their weight into the wing with a simultaneous push, pungent fuel from
inside the wing splashes the hangar floor. It's the sound and smell of
accomplishment, as it signifies the separation of the wing from the jet.

As the wing is wheeled away, it leaves the body of the jet looking
something like a bull without its horns. It's only temporary - a
replacement wing sits in the hangar next door - but Cornell said the
reward of reaching the halfway point is a whole different animal.

"It gives you the feeling like you killed a bear with your hands," said
Cornell, an assistant shop chief with the 35th Maintenance Squadron.
"It's a big accomplishment. Not a lot of people can say they've torn the
wing off an F-16."

Cornell is right -- most people can't say they've spent a week fighting a
700-pound piece of metal, but it's become a regular occurrence for
Airmen in the Aircraft Fuels System Repairs shop.

Ever since an Air Force-wide inspection on more than 1,700 F-16 wings
uncovered corrosion discrepancies that required mass wing replacements,
Misawa maintainers have mastered the art of an F-16 wing change. What
started as a month-long learning process more than a year ago has
transformed into an expedited operation that can now be completed in
about a week.

They've changed 11 wings in the past year-and-a-half, making Misawa
responsible for executing nearly 15 percent of F-16 wing changes across
the Air Force.

Having a fleet of 44 F-16s, the workload at Misawa has seen a
significant increase. Maj. William Adams, 35 MXS operations officer,
said maintainers were able to combat this by making the fuel cell the
go-to shop for wing changes. It's a job that's earned them the nickname
"Wings-R-Us" around the flightline.

While essentially teaching themselves how to most effectively flip the
wing of one of the world's most powerful machines, Airmen within the
fuel cell were able to further expedite the process by coming up with a
few valuable time-saving techniques.

Adams said they designed a method to pre-assemble wing change seal kits
and through Pacific Air Forces, acquired a pneumatic sealant scraper
tool that's cut removal time in half. They also built a hydraulic bolt
extraction tool for wing attach bolts, which are no walk in the park, as
each wing possesses 16 wing attach bolts.

"Sixteen bolts may not sound like a lot, but it takes a lot of patience,
effort and a few different minds to throw at the airplane to get the
job done," Cornell said. "Each bolt torques at 400 to 600 foot-pounds.
To equate that, your typical four-cylinder car has around 90 foot-pounds
of torque the engine produces. It's a tremendous amount of pressure."

Working under pressure is something these Airmen are used to, and if
things stick to schedule, that won't be changing anytime soon. Adams
said the high demand on wing changes has Misawa slated for at least five
more in the foreseeable future.

"We have to understand we have to press on with the job and keep forward
motion on these because they're coming in back to back," said Staff
Sgt. Brent Cratty, 35 MXS, lead technician on the shop's most recent
wing change.

While the fuel cell Airmen are the catalyst of the operation, they're
quick to spread the credit to all the shops that play a role in the
overall process.

"Everyone plays a role in making this mission happen," said Cratty. "It's a total team effort."

"The feeling of accomplishment once we're finished is like saving a
life," said Cornell, who has completed five wing changes. "Our role
plays a big part in our mission of defending and keeping people alive
all over the world with these jets."

12/12/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Arctic
Warriors, a recent uptick in our JBER team members being needless
casualties in off-duty incidents, in some cases not too far from the
installation, has me very concerned.

The Office of Special Investigations recently accomplished a criminal
threat assessment using local, state, and federal law enforcement agency
sources demonstrating while the overall criminal threat remains
moderate, there are areas within Anchorage identified as having higher
risk for crime, including violent crimes. I highly encourage you to
increase your awareness of our surroundings and understand our
environment.

To assist you, the Municipality of Anchorage Police Department publishes
a daily "Crime Map;" you can view this important resource at:
http://crimemap.muni.org/. While this is not a complete accounting of
all incidents and, as described therein, as "preliminary data...subject
to change," it can serve as a valuable resource.

Another area that requires our undivided attention is alcohol-related incidents.

Unfortunately, over consumption of alcohol too often leads to serious
consequences such as driving under the influence, domestic abuse, sexual
assaults and even firearms mishaps. We're certainly not proud to report
that JBER team members recorded more than 140 DUIs on and off the
installation during Fiscal Year 2013.

Two months into the new fiscal year, we are on pace to pass last year's
rate by 20 percent. I ask you to please join me in saying "Enough is
enough," especially when you consider the numerous sources of assistance
available should all other plans fail.

Finally, we cannot underestimate the realities of living in Alaska;
after all, this is the arctic. Abundant wildlife, severe weather,
agitating tides, and harsh terrain present their own challenges that
have unfortunately claimed too many lives this year.

I encourage you to maximize your time at JBER and enjoy the community
and surrounding areas, but to do so safely and responsibly so we can
continue our important efforts in defense of our great nation.

Demonstrating great resilience in the face of abuse, death, motorcycle
accidents and life-altering events, the Airmen spoke in front of a full
audience in hope that other Airmen will learn from their experiences and
know that it is okay to ask for help when it is needed.

The Storytellers forum, created in 2012, began in response to an open
question from former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy on how
to create community connections and open dialogue among Airmen.

"Resilience to me is a way to bounce back from adversity," said Master
Sgt. David Dries, storytellers participant. "Life may beat you down, it
may feel like the world is out to get you, but there is always a light
at the end of the tunnel. Stay positive, use your support system and
keep moving forward. Don't let anything keep you down."

Dries spoke about a motorcycle accident he was in that claimed the life
of his passenger. He was driving a friend home when, sitting at a
stoplight, he was struck from behind by a distracted driver texting on
her phone. Hitting the motorcycle at 45 mph, the impact sent him and his
friend flying more than 135 feet. His friend landed just five feet in
front of him--dead. Dries was on convalescent leave for two months and
fell into a deep depression.

Dries soon sought help after realizing his depression was only getting
worse, he wanted to finally move on with his life and with the support
of his leadership, fellow wingmen and base agencies he finally did.

"I decided to get over my depression and press on forward with my life
and not let this hold me back," said Dries. "My advice to those who are
going through something right now is that no matter what life throws at
you, you can get through it. Keep a strong mental focus, and know that
you are never alone."

Personal tragedies come in many forms and people have different ways of
dealing with them. Senior Airman LaShana Muller, a storyteller
participant shared her personal struggles with the audience, and told
them how she persevered and became resilient.

Muller spoke about being trapped in an abusive relationship, suffering
through molestation and bullying, and how she got through it.

Muller said her leadership was very supportive of her and helped her get
to where she is now, and she felt that her story is a good example of
how your wingman cares as long as you let them.

"To the Airmen who are going through tough times right now, I want to
tell them to hold on, stay strong. You are beautiful and you are not
alone," said Muller.

As the event organizer for the second year in a row, Tech. Sgt. Eva
Henry, hopes that once Airmen see that others can truly relate to what
they are going through, they will seek assistance and understand that
they too can get through difficult times.

"Storytellers is meant to build resiliency in our Airmen through a very
memorable interpersonal experience," said Henry. "I saw it positively
impact many people and I truly wanted even more people to understand
that difficult times are temporary."

Henry stressed that every Airman has a story and every Airman has the ability to change someone's life for the better.

"I really just want to help people who may be undergoing hardships," said Henry.

Overall, the event encouraged Airmen to seek out help when in times of
trouble, whether through their chain of command, fellow Airmen, mental
health professionals or base chaplains.

"You do not have to face everything you have gone through alone--open up
to people, let them in and let them help," said Muller.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
yesterday warned his Ukrainian counterpart against using the military to quell
demonstrations over President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to shelve a trade
agreement with the European Union.

“Secretary Hagel warned Minister Lebedyev not to use the
armed forces of Ukraine against the civilian population in any fashion,” Woog
said. “He underlined the potential damage of any involvement by the military in
breaking up the demonstrations and called for restraint.”

Lebedyev stated that it is Yanukovych's position not to use
the armed forces against the protestors, Woog added, and said he would pass
Hagel's message directly to Yanukovych.

“These productive high-level ministry-to-ministry talks were
an important opportunity to review our defense relationship and set the course
for our cooperation into next year and beyond,” Lainez said in a statement
summarizing the meeting.

In the meetings, she added, the leaders discussed all
aspects of defense cooperation between their countries, including Georgia's
defense reforms, preparing Georgian units deploying to NATO's mission in
Afghanistan, wounded warrior care, and other areas of defense cooperation that will
help Georgia meet its NATO partnership goals.

Farkas told Darchiashvili that the Defense Department
remains committed to its strong partnership with the Georgian Defense Ministry
and looks forward to continuing and strengthening all aspects of our close
partnership and defense relationship, Lainez said.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2013 – The Institute for Veterans and
Military Families at Syracuse University in New York has expanded eligibility
to enroll in its Veterans Career Transition Program to spouses of eligible
veterans and active duty service members.

This allows these spouses access to online courses along
four professional tracks that will help them gain knowledge, skills and
certifications that civilian organizations seek in their employees, all at no
cost, institute officials said.

The deadline for spouses and eligible veterans to register
for courses that begin in January is Dec. 15.

The Veterans Career Transition Program delivers
career-focused online training to transitioning U.S. military members, members
of the Guard and reserves, post 9/11 veterans and now military and eligible
veterans’ spouses. The program is paid for in its entirety by JPMorgan Chase
and Co., so participants don’t incur any costs or use their education benefits
to take part, officials said.

“The Veterans Career Transition Program has helped many
veterans successfully transition into civilian careers – and that’s why we’re
expanding it to military spouses,” said Maureen Casey, managing director of the
JPMorgan Chase & Co. office of military and veterans affairs.

“Our aim is to position military families for post-military
service success,” Casey added. “Through VCTP, veterans and spouses can add to
the valuable skills they already have and gain additional knowledge, skills and
certifications that employers are seeking.”

Program participants select an independent study track or
follow education tracks in Professional Skills, Technology or Human Resources
-- a new course of study that will begin in January.

Mike Haynie, executive director and co-founder of the
Institute for Veterans and Military Families, noted that every service branch
includes people who have worked in human resources, project management and
information technology.

“Where they struggle in the civilian job market is with
professional certifications that military training doesn’t provide,” he said.
“The Veterans Career Transition Program helps veterans and military spouses
meet the requirements to fill growing demand from companies for skilled,
experienced workers.”

12/11/2013 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The
men and women of 14th Air Force and Joint Functional Component Command
for Space have dedicated this holiday season to giving back to the
community around Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Eight teams of approximately 450 Airmen and joint partners participated
in an effort to accomplish more than 3,850 hours of volunteer service in
the local area.

The three-month long service competition culminates Dec. 14, 2013, at
the organization's holiday party where Lt. Gen. Susan Helms, JFCC SPACE
and 14 AF commander, will announce winning team members of the campaign
appropriately themed, 'A Generous Season.'

"This effort extended as far north as San Miguel and as far south as
Port Hueneme," said Master Sgt. Jim Desgrange, non commissioned officer
in charge within the requirements branch of the 14th Air Force
communications directorate and lead for the community service endeavor.
"It has been an amazing competition, and we have been fortunate enough
to positively impact some outstanding organizations."

With a focus on areas such as community, fitness and education, the
volunteer efforts of JFCC SPACE and 14 AF members supported youth after
school programs, homeless shelters, youth sports teams, adult fitness
classes and tutoring programs at various elementary, middle and high
schools.

As part of his team's activity during the campaign, Desgrange helped
lead two events to provide holiday parties for kids at a nearby homeless
shelter's after school program and troubled youth at the Santa Maria
Alternate Report and Resource Center.

"I think both groups of kids really enjoyed the parties we put together
for them," said Desgrange. "It gave them a chance to paint ornaments,
watch holiday movies, eat pizza and just enjoy this time of year."

Desgrange's team also worked with the kids to put together a surprise
for guests attending the upcoming JFCC SPACE/14 AF holiday party.

"I think everybody in attendance will really appreciate what these kids
came up with," he said. "We were lucky to have the chance to be part of
it."

In the spirit of friendly competition, JFCC SPACE and 14 AF personnel
are eager to see how their respective units fared when the final results
are announced. However, the true spirit of the this year's campaign was
prevalent across the entire organization.

"The 14 AF/JFCC SPACE team is full of people who have tremendous
strength and, on top of that, the ability and passion to help carry
those who may be in need," said Desgrange.

The two defense leaders spoke to the press following a
morning meeting, which Hagel described as “warm and productive.”

Singapore is making important contributions to U.S. counter
piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden, in addition to being a significant partner
in Afghanistan, he added.

The defense secretary also noted that Singapore provides
logistical support to U.S. military aircraft and ships operating in the Pacific
Ocean.

“This … enables our forces to maintain a strong forward
presence in that part of the world,” Hagel said.

During their meeting, Hagel and Ng also discussed new ways
to increase bilateral collaboration in cyber and maritime security. The two
countries are seeking to develop more complex exercises and to conduct
additional exercises involving more nations, Hagel said.

China’s unilateral decision to expand its air defense
identification zone into the East China Sea was an attempt to “influence the
status quo,” Hagel said. And while the move has raised regional tensions, he
noted, it will not change how the U.S. military operates in the region.

“The United States will continue to stand by our allies and
partners in the Asia Pacific … [and] remains committed to the rebalance to the
Asia-Pacific in every way and to our important partnership with Singapore,” the
defense secretary said.

The U.S.-China relationship will impact all countries in the
Asia-Pacific region, Ng said. There will be strategic competition, he added,
but President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping have indicated
“that the Pacific region is big enough to accommodate both a resident power and
a rising power.”

Existing platforms like the Shangri-La Dialogues and the
upcoming meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations can help prevent
tensions and avoid conflict, Ng said. And the longstanding U.S. presence in the
Asia-Pacific region has been a critical force for stability, he added.

It was in this light that Singapore signed a memorandum of
agreement in 1990 to allow U.S. ships and aircraft to transit Singaporean naval
and air bases, he said. A strategic framework signed in 2005 paved the way for
the recent and future deployments of littoral combat ships, Ng added. These rotational
deployments are expected to continue through at least 2015, Hagel said.

“The deployment of these ships is part of our commitment to
a deepening military engagement in the Asia-Pacific,” Hagel added.

Yesterday, Ng visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's
Peace Carvin II F-16 Fighting Falcon training detachment at Luke Air Force Base
in Arizona, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary. The detachment also
held an integrated live-fire exercise as part of the annual Forging Sabre
exercise, and U.S. Marines demonstrated the F-35B Lightning II joint strike
fighter aircraft, Ng said.

The United States hosts several Singapore Air Force training
detachments for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Singapore is “seriously looking” at replacing its F-16 fleet
with the F-35B, Ng said. But, he continued, “We're in no particular hurry,
because our F-16s are still very operational, and they're due for upgrades. But
it is a serious consideration.”